ICE (File Photo – ice.gov)
A multi-agency operation involving ICE, the DEA, and the FBI in Alhambra on Sunday, February 23, sparked vocal opposition from local activists. ICE officials stated the operation aimed to target criminals, but Union del Barrio, an immigrant rights group, argued it was part of a broader effort to detain non-criminal undocumented individuals.
By News Desk
The FBI had informed Alhambra police about the operation. Meanwhile, Union del Barrio activists arrived with loudspeakers and quickly organized a protest to challenge the presence of federal agents. Activists reported seeing five ICE vehicles in the Target parking lot.
Union del Barrio, known for its community patrols since 1992, contended that federal agents were violating the rights of immigrant communities. Members of the group asserted their right to intervene in situations they believed posed a threat to their community’s safety. Despite the protest, Target employees and customers reportedly remained unaware of the operation taking place outside.
The city of Alhambra reaffirmed its sanctuary city status in November 2024, and Alhambra Councilmember Adele Andrade-Stadler strongly criticized the operation. In a statement to Colorado Boulevard, she said: “Our law enforcement does not work in tandem with Homeland Security or ICE. They are not federal officers,” adding, “I’m very disappointed in how Sunday morning transpired. I understand if the current administration is looking for criminals, but they are terrifying our neighborhoods. That’s inexcusable.”
Ron Gochez, an activist with Union del Barrio, spoke to FOX 11, explaining that the group’s outreach efforts helped halt the operation. He noted that once ICE agents realized they were being filmed and the community had been alerted through megaphones, they retreated without making any arrests.
Gochez criticized ICE’s tactics, claiming that the agency frequently targets non-criminal immigrants based on ethnicity rather than behavior. Union del Barrio also reported successfully interrupting a separate enforcement action in San Fernando.
ICE has not confirmed any arrests related to the Sunday operation but stated that updates would be shared on its social media platforms.
As tensions between ICE and local activists continue, Union del Barrio remains committed to defending immigrant rights. The group is actively recruiting volunteers to join its community patrols, aiming to protect vulnerable immigrant communities from what they view as discriminatory federal actions.
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